Pa. Indie Darrenkamp’s Closing After 86 Years

Darrenkamp’s, a mainstay central Pennsylvania independent grocer whose roots date back to 1932, is closing all of its four stores, one of which will be acquired by Ahold Delhaize’s Carlisle, Pa.-based Giant Food Stores.

The Lancaster, Pa.-based grocer’s liquidation process is now underway for the closures of its stores, which is anticipated to be complete by early November.

Giant will acquire Darrenkamp’s Willow Valley Square store in Lancaster, while the remaining three stores in Elizabethtown, Etters and Mount Joy will close in a “phased approach,” according to company officials.

“This was a very difficult decision because we will miss serving our neighbors and because of our long history serving the Lancaster community for so many years,” co-owner Dave Darrenkamp said in a statement. “Knowing how this affects our customers and employees made the decision even tougher.”

Employees at all Darrenkamp’s locations will have the opportunity to interview for comparable positions at the Willow Valley Square location, which will close temporarily for a remodel, as well as at other neighboring Giant stores.

Giant President Nicholas Bertram said the retailer is pleased with the opportunity to "continue to serve the grocery needs of Darrenkamp’s  long-standing customers."

Related:1-on-1 With Nicholas Bertram, President of Giant Food Stores

"We’re committed to bringing more value every day to our Lancaster customers, and this store will be no exception,” he continued. “It was a pleasure to work with the Darrenkamp family, and we have pledged to support the charitable organizations that the Darrenkamp family has supported over the years.”

Darrenkamp’s President Joe Darrenkamp commended Giant as “a great partner and community steward,” in light of the chain’s pledged continued support of the charitable organizations the independent has supported through the years, such as the A Week Away and Brighter Day foundations, Grace Church, Lancaster South Rotary and the Willow Street Fire Department.

“Our family has been in the grocery industry for 86 years and it’s tough saying goodbye,” said Joe Darrenkamp, who extended a “heartfelt thank you to all of our customers, employees and supporters. It’s been an honor for our family to serve Lancaster and the surrounding communities for so many decades.”